Family travel
Family serviced apartments in London: a booking checklist
· Staylio · Planning guide
The best London apartment for your family is one that fits how you sleep, eat and get around together. Before booking, check the actual beds, access, kitchen and arrival arrangements for the specific apartment. A large guest capacity alone does not tell you whether the space will work for children, grandparents or a pushchair.
Count beds and bedrooms separately
Start with who needs to sleep where. Two bedrooms can work very differently depending on the bed sizes and whether extra guests use a sofa bed in the living room. Ask for the sleeping arrangement for your party, including children. Check whether using the sofa bed removes the space where adults would otherwise sit after bedtime.
If a cot or high chair matters, request it with the booking enquiry and get confirmation for your dates. Do not assume a request has been accepted because the item appears in general website copy. Ask where a cot would fit and whether bedding is provided, rather than guessing from a wide-angle room photograph.
Check the complete route from street to apartment
A lift icon is not the whole access story. There may be steps at the front door, between the entrance and lift, or inside the flat. Ask which floor the apartment is on, whether the lift reaches it and whether your pushchair can be stored without blocking an exit. Mention luggage and any mobility needs at the start.
For travel around London, TfL’s journey planner offers options for less walking, fewer changes and step-free access. Check the specific route you expect to use, including the station entrance and destination. A manageable journey with children can be more valuable than choosing the address that looks most central on a map.
Make breakfast and laundry easy
A kitchen can help keep familiar routines, especially when children wake early or eat at different times. Check the cooking equipment you need: a hob, oven or microwave are not interchangeable. Ask about fridge space and the table arrangement if everyone needs to eat together. Bring any specialist feeding items you rely on.
Laundry matters on a longer family trip. Confirm which machine is in the apartment, how clothes are dried and where wet clothing can go. Pack enough essentials for arrival day rather than depending on an immediate wash. If you need extra linen or cleaning during the stay, ask how it is arranged and whether there is a charge.
Plan a neighbourhood around one outing at a time
Pick a few activities your family actually wants to do, then compare journeys from the shortlisted apartment. Avoid planning every day around crossings of the whole city. Leave room for a slower morning, a food shop and a return to the apartment between outings. The most famous neighbourhood is not automatically the most practical base.
The official Visit London family guide is a useful starting point for attractions and ideas. Check the attraction’s own booking page for current opening times, access arrangements and tickets before travelling. Staylio’s location pages can help you compare areas, but confirm the exact apartment and route rather than treating an area label as a walking-time promise.
Agree the arrival plan before the travel day
Tell the booking team your expected arrival time and ask when access instructions will be sent. Confirm the available check-in window and what to do if a flight or train is delayed. Early access and luggage storage need separate confirmation; they should not be assumed from an afternoon arrival estimate.
Keep the address, contact details and confirmed instructions accessible on your phone. For the enquiry itself, include dates, adults and children, sleeping preferences, any cot request and access needs. There is no need to send children’s identity documents in an initial availability message. Start with the practical information needed to find a suitable apartment.
Frequently asked questions
Does sleeps six mean three separate bedrooms?
No. The total may include sofa beds or other arrangements. Ask for the bedroom count, bed sizes and exact sleeping layout for your group.
Can we rely on a cot being available?
Request one before booking and obtain confirmation for the specific stay. Check any cost and what is supplied.
Which London area is best for a family?
Choose around your planned outings, transport and access needs. Compare actual routes and apartment layouts; there is no single best area for every family.